Dawson a humble Hall of Famer

Enjoys sharing his story with youth

The former Cubs outfielder spoke on Monday to a group of students at Yale Elementary School on the South Side, in conjunction with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Chicago Urban League and the Cubs Citi Kids.

"I just enjoy talking to the youth, more than anything else," Dawson told us. "That is the foundation to what is going to carry this country in the later years. They are our future.

"I can relate very well, because for me it was no cakewalk. There were certain things instilled in me at an early age which may have perhaps paved the way for me growing up to be the individual that I am ... one who really doesn't take anything in life for granted. I didn't grow up with the best of things."

Overheard: Asked the big difference between college football and the NFL, Bears rookie quarterback Dan LeFevour said with a smile: "What do you think? The speed. It's a little bit different up here. I've just got to get used to that."

Sight seen: Fergie, the lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, and her boyfriend, actor Josh Duhamel, who has been in town filming the "Transformers" sequel, were spotted taking in a White Sox game last week. … Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee dining at Hub 51 on Sunday night. Also at Hub 51 was Mark Kotsay of the White Sox. …

Word on the street: IndyCar and Nationwide driver Danica Patrick will visit the Crest Hill Best Buy Mobile specialty store on Aug. 26 to meet with fans.